The first Gaudy Day (in those days called ‘the Old Boys’ Gaudy’) was held on Ascension Day, 16 May 1912. Fr Nash had suggested that the annual reunion day be called a ‘Gaudy’. ‘The name,’ he explained, ‘given to college commemorations in Oxford, comes from gaudeo, meaning, for we all know Latin here, “rejoice”.’ The programme for the day has since then continued throughout the years, apparently with little change.

We look forward to welcoming our Old Johannian community back to the College to reminisce and celebrate a shared love for St John's.

Gaudy Day Programme

Saturday, 13 July 2024

08h00 Welcome

Coffee and rusks before Mass in David Quadrangle

Art Exhibition: College Art will be on display in the cloisters and surrounds throughout the day

08h30 Old Johannian Mass in the Memorial Chapel

Featuring the Old Johannian and College Choirs and the presentation of the 2024 Golden Eagle Award

09h45 Tea

Pelican Quadrangle

Featuring the delightful sounds of our College bands

10h00 Hockey Matches on the Astro

• Staff vs 3rd Hockey team

• Old Johannian 2nds vs St John's College 2nd Team

• Old Johannian 1st Team vs St John's College 1st Team

10h15 Adsum Tea

Staff Common Room

By invitation, to all Old Johannians aged 60 and above

10h30 Sports and Activities

• Basketball: Basketball Courts Old Johannians vs St John’s College First Team

• Chess: David Quadrangle Old Johannians vs St John’s College First Team

• Debating: Amphitheatre Old Johannians vs St John’s College

• Football: Mitchell Field A & B

  • Old Johannians 1st team vs St John's College 1st team

  • Old Academians vs St John's Academy First Team

• Rowing: Gymnasium

  • Old Johannians vs St John’s College First Team

• Squash: Barrow Squash Complex

  • Old Johannians vs St John’s College First Team

• Tennis:

  • Tennis Courts Old Johannians vs St John’s College First Team

• Water Polo: Aquatics Centre

  • Old Johannian Eagles vs St John’s College First Team

• Historical Tours: Pelican Quadrangle

  • An informative walk through St John’s College

  • The Museum will be open from 10h00 until 12h00

• Rugby: Burger Field

  • Nick Rowe Inter-House Sevens Finals

  • Leavers XV vs Stayers XV - Peter Raney Trophy

12h00 LUNCH ON BURGER FIELD

Refreshments are on sale throughout the day at the Henry Bennett and Ronnie Grieveson Pavilions.

Parking is available on Rice, C, and D Fields.

A regular shuttle service operates between the Main Arch and Burger Field from 10h30 to 14h30.

The School Shop is open from 09h00 and offers a range of St John’s College merchandise to purchase.

Everyone is welcome to meet at The Johannian Club. The Boar's Head Bar will be open from noon.